Mohenjodaro A Planned Urban Centre
Mohenjodaro, one of the most prominent urban centers of the Harappan civilization, offers insight into their unique urban planning and architecture. Unlike Harappa, the first discovered site which suffered extensive damage due to brick theft, Mohenjodaro’s structures were better preserved. The settlement is divided into the Citadel and the Lower Town, with the Citadel being elevated and walled off from the Lower Town. The Citadel featured buildings constructed on mud brick platforms, while the Lower Town also had walled sections with buildings on platforms.
The layout of Mohenjodaro indicates meticulous planning, with standardized bricks used for construction. The drainage system, a hallmark of Harappan cities, was carefully designed with streets and houses connected to a network of drains. Residential buildings in the Lower Town typically had courtyards, emphasizing privacy with no windows along ground-level walls. Each house had its own bathroom with drains connected to street drains, and many also had wells, with approximately 700 estimated wells in Mohenjodaro.
The Great Bath, a notable structure within the Citadel, was a large rectangular tank surrounded by a corridor. Steps led into the tank, which was waterproofed with bricks and gypsum mortar. Adjacent to the bath were rooms with bathrooms, each connected to a drain. The purpose of the Great Bath, along with other structures in the Citadel, suggests its significance in religious or ritual practices.
Chapter 1: Bricks,Beads and Bones| Class 12 Notes History
Crafted from a stone called steatite, Harappan seals typically feature animal motifs and symbols from a script that has yet to be deciphered. Despite the mystery surrounding the script, archaeologists have gleaned significant insights into the lives of the people inhabiting the region through the examination of their dwellings, pottery, jewelry, tools, and seals – collectively known as archaeological evidence.
This evidence serves as a window into the Harappan civilization, shedding light on various aspects of their society. However, while archaeological findings provide valuable insights, interpretations of these discoveries are subject to change as new evidence emerges. Although there are still unknown aspects of the civilization that may remain elusive, ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of the Harappan civilization!
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